KADENA AIR BASE, Japan – Patrol Squadron (VP) 40 and VP-5 of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) had an exciting day of cultural exchange and familiarization while conducting Expendable Mobile ASW Training Target (EMATT) training south of Okinawa. Each squadron leveraged these aircrew exchanges to observe differences in aircraft configuration, procedures, and tactics.
On October 11, three officers from VP-40 and two officers from Tactical Operations Center (TOC) Kadena attended a pre-sail brief at the JMSDF Anti-Submarine Warfare Operations Center in Naha. Topics included safety of flight procedures, communication plans, as well as the overall schedule of events. In all, the experience was a great opportunity for the two flights crews to connect face to face and alleviate concerns that could arise while on-station due to language barriers.
Lt. Chris Mottino, Lt. David Rosenfelder, and Lt. Jason Ahmanson were guests on the JMSDF flights. Upon return, each of the officers praised the Japanese aircrew for their professionalism.
“On the deck, they were the most gracious of hosts,” said Rosenfelder. “In the air, they were pure professionals.”
While the Japanese fly an Update III model of the P-3C Orion, they are in pristine condition due to outstanding upkeep and maintenance.
“Everything from the control surfaces to the communication equipment to the tactical systems functioned flawlessly,” said Rosenfelder. “It was impressive to see what can be accomplished when all of their focus can be placed on one mission type.”
Post flight, VP-5 aircrew and VP-40 aircrew debriefed the exercise at Kadena Air Base. Both parties were ecstatic with the results of the joint training experience and continue to look forward to future training and real-world missions.
